Meet Trailblazer Ellie Howard

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellie Howard.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up on a farm in rural South Dakota. I always wanted to be a “city girl.” To start, I got my first job at 14 in my small town of Groton. That got me off the farm and into what I do best socializing while working. I worked at a small cafe. We would get the order from our customer and then go make the food in the back. I am so thankful for that job. I had all sorts of responsibility at 14. I always had a job while going to school. Everything from babysitting, working at the cafe, subway, retail, and working at a hotel. One thing I knew I was good at was talking to people. I was also really good at doing hair.

Growing up, I remember ordering a braid “how to” book to teach myself to braid hair. I was always in the bathroom doing my hair if I wasn’t in town socializing or working. I have so many memories of hair. I love how hair tells a story, and with the right hairstyle it compliments personality, people walk with an extra pep in their step, and if you feel good you do good. Hair has that power. I was always getting everyone else ready for Jr. high dances, sporting events, prom, and even weddings. I knew I wanted to be a hairstylist, but with society stressing the importance of going to college. I figured I better do college first. After two years, it wasn’t my thing, so finally time to go to beauty school in the city. I always had the support of my family no matter what I wanted to be. It was just me doing what I thought I should vs. what I was passionate about.

Hair school was right where I wanted to be. I graduated after 2100 hours from Stewarts School in South Dakota.

I had visited Colorado to visit a best friend once years prior to hair school. I was in love. I promised myself I would live there someday. I hadn’t spent any time in Denver, but this farm kid was looking for the city. So, Denver it is!

With major support and help from my family, I packed up my car and headed west. I was accepted into the Aveda Academy where I assisted for three months and entered the “Pure Talent” program. I am so thankful for my foundation from that program. I was a stylist there for almost three years. I formed relationships and built a small base of clients.

Aveda was a commission salon which is great for some stylists but I dreamed of being independent.
I reached out to another amazing boss woman, who had left Aveda years prior. She is still today one of my mentors and now best friends!

She agreed to add a chair for me to her establishment, Wax and Beauty Bar. Most of my clientele followed me as a booth renter. I still have some of those “OG” clients today. I grew my business solely on referrals and social media! I posted my work all of the time, and I really really love people. So, my small client base trusted me with their friends and family. I am now almost four years into being self-employed. My clientele book is closed to new clients because I’m so lucky to be at capacity. It will always be important to me to take care of people so sometimes that means not overbooking.

I believe we should be curious when we find something that makes us feel strengthened, makes the time speed up and when it’s done we can’t wait to do it again. Hair was just that for me.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been a crazy ride. The only way to learn is to make mistakes. I’ve had to face so many challenges head-on.
When it comes to hair, clientele, and being in control of my space. I didn’t make any money for my first three years. I had to rely on a second job (which I loved caretaking for a boy named Tanner) and help from family.
Ive been down to just a few dollars in my account. I worked many events for free to just network with other hair artists. I’ve let my business run me vs. running my business. I still learn something new every day.

My advice for other women, always- ALWAYS bet on yourself. You CAN do it. I was bad at a great deal of things before I was ever good at them. I just had to keep trying. Believe in yourself a day at a time. Set goals. Have a mentor or friend check in with you on those goals. Keep learning.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a hairstylist.
I specialize in the art of customizing color to fit my guest(s) personalities and lifestyle.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve formed with guests who have turned into family. It’s more than hair. I get to celebrate job promotions, babies, weddings, etc. I get to hear about dreams and failures. I’m there for the not so good times too. Hopefully, offering a little bit of light even in those times. I pinch myself every day- I get to be a hairstylist. 🙂

What sets me apart-
It’s never been about money. I just want to listen, create, and deliver. I really sincerely care- it’s that simple. I think people feel that.

So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
I think women have so many characteristics of leadership. A few that are key: empathy, communication, and emotional intelligence.

I think in 2019, women are well positioned for anything they want to work hard for.

Contact Info:

• Address: Wax and Beauty Bar
  1654 Grant St.
  Denver, CO 80203
• Website: byellierose.com
• Phone: 303-635-6576
• Email: hairbyellierose@gmail.com
• Instagram: @hairbyellierose

Image Credit:
Rebecca Slaughter, Katie Bradshaw

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